Emmy-winning Hollywood actor Dabney Coleman (92) dies: Tracing his journey
Emmy-winning Hollywood legend Dabney Coleman, renowned for his roles in 9 to 5 and HBO's Boardwalk Empire, died at his home in Santa Monica, California on Thursday. He was 92. The news of his death was confirmed by his daughter, Quincy Coleman. Quincy paid tribute to her father describing him as a man with a "curious mind, generous heart, and a soul on fire with passion." May he rest in peace.
He lived with 'elegance, excellence, and mastery'
Quincy said in a statement, "As he lived, he moved through this final act of his life with elegance, excellence and mastery." "A teacher, a hero, and a king, Dabney Coleman is a gift and blessing in life and in death as his spirit will shine through his work, his loved ones and his legacy... eternally. And always, 'A goddamn, good looking man.'"
Coleman's early life and education
Born in 1932, in Austin, Texas, Coleman was raised by his mother following his father's death when he was four. He attended the Virginia Military Institute before serving in the Army. Later, he studied law at the University of Texas but dropped out shortly before graduating to pursue acting. He moved to New York where he trained under Sanford Meisner and made his Broadway debut in 1961 with a role in A Call on Kuprin.
His illustrious six-decade career began in 1980s
Coleman's career in film and television spanned over six decades. He first gained prominence in the 1980s with his role as Franklin Hart Jr., the misogynistic boss in 9 to 5. This film remarkably finished its run as the second-highest domestic (US) release of 1980, establishing Coleman as a sought-after actor for arrogant characters. This led to another prominent role in Sydney Pollack's 1982 Tootsie in which he played a bigoted soap opera director.
Coleman won an Emmy for 'Sworn to Silence'
Coleman's penchant for satirical portrayals of authority figures was evident through in various projects, including his roles in The Beverly Hillbillies, Clifford, and as Principal Prickly on the animated series Recess. Beyond comedy, Coleman was a decorated dramatic actor, winning an Emmy for his performance in the 1987 TV film Sworn to Silence. He also bagged Screen Actors Guild awards for his work on HBO's Boardwalk Empire in 2011 and 2012.
Coleman's personal life, survivors, and last project
Per IMDb, his most recent appearance was on Yellowstone, where he guest-starred in one episode. On the personal front, Coleman was married and divorced twice; first to Ann Courtney Harrell from 1957 to 1959, then to Jean Hale from 1961 to 1984. He is survived by his children, Meghan, Kelly, Randy, and Quincy. His family members also include his grandchildren, Hale and Gabe Torrance, Luie Freundl, and Kai and Coleman Biancaniello.
